The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and Orientation, Sunday Dare, has launched a scathing critique of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, accusing him of inflicting severe damage on Nigeria’s democratic fabric. In a statement posted on his X account (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Dare argued that Obasanjo’s time in office left democracy in Nigeria with “mortal wounds” that subsequent administrations have struggled to heal.
Obasanjo’s Legacy Questioned: Calls for Apology
Dare accused Obasanjo of lacking the moral authority to criticize the current government, asserting that he should instead apologize to Nigerians for his administration’s failures. According to Dare, the former president’s tenure was marked by a failed attempt to extend his rule through a third-term bid and a presidency marred by corruption.
“Democracy suffered mortal wounds under his watch, only exacerbated by his destructive obsession with an ill-fated third-term bid. He is a man with a tremendous capacity for mischief, and Nigerians know it,” Dare remarked.
He further alleged that Obasanjo’s recent criticisms, including comments made at Yale University, lack credibility given his own tainted legacy.
Corruption Allegations and Unresolved $16 Billion Power Project
Dare did not hold back in his condemnation of Obasanjo’s handling of public resources, specifically pointing to the infamous $16 billion power project that allegedly failed to deliver the promised improvements to Nigeria’s electricity supply. He criticized the former president for wasting funds that only resulted in “megawatts of darkness” across the nation, noting that no satisfactory explanation was ever provided for the project’s failure.
Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ Agenda: A Focus on Progress
Drawing on a Yoruba proverb, Dare urged Nigerians to ignore Obasanjo’s criticisms, which he likened to mere “market noise.” He stressed that the focus should be on President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which aims to bring tangible relief and progress to Nigerians.
“In this market called Nigeria, the man with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda is the one that matters – President Tinubu and, indeed, Nigerians. Everything else is just ‘ariwo oja’ (market noise),” he stated.
Dare reiterated that the current administration remains committed to implementing reforms designed to improve the nation’s socioeconomic conditions and will not be distracted by what he described as Obasanjo’s “childish” remarks.
Advising Obasanjo to Reflect on His Legacy
In a parting shot, Dare advised the former president to reflect on his own contributions to the current challenges Nigeria faces rather than consistently criticizing his successors. He suggested that Obasanjo should take responsibility for the state of the nation, which the Tinubu administration is now trying to repair.
“We thank former President Obasanjo for acknowledging that ‘Yes, there is hope.’ That’s the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda that President Tinubu is advancing, and it’s well on track. We look forward to having that conversation with the former president,” Dare concluded.
Conclusion: A Heated Exchange Over Nigeria’s Democratic Future
The statement from Sunday Dare highlights ongoing tensions between Nigeria’s past and present leaders as they grapple with the country’s complex political landscape. While Obasanjo remains a vocal critic of the current administration, Tinubu’s camp appears determined to defend its reforms and vision for a better Nigeria. The public will be watching closely as both sides continue to debate the best path forward for the nation’s democracy.
